Sports psychologist Taimoor Ali Khan has begun his assignment with the Pakistan team in England, in order to improve the mental aspect of Pakistan player’s game. According to media reports, Taimoor has already joined the Pakistan squad and was present during their first practice session at Kent county ground on Wednesday. During the training session, the sports psychologist was seen providing psychological counseling to the players related to their performance. Taimoor is expected to accompany the team throughout the England series during which he will conduct individual sessions with all the players. However, his contract could be extended to the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2019, if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) deems his work successful.
Taimoor is an England resident who has played first class cricket for Islamabad. He is also a close friend of Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, while his wife is also a business agent of a Pakistan cricketer. Taimoor is being paid $4500 for his services during this period. He was also paid the same remuneration for the Australia series in United Arab Emirates (UAE) but it did not have a marked effect on the team, as Pakistan lost the series 5-0. The Pakistan team management believes that a sports psychologist accompanying the team will be beneficial during the World Cup, as it would make players more confident in their abilities and will mentally prepare them for the crucial matches.